In a historic election yesterday, Anthony Mondaine will become the Independence school district’s first Black school board member.
According to unofficial final results, incumbent Jill Esry was in the lead with 30.7% of the votes, followed by Mondaine with 23.4%. The two defeated Greg Gilliam with 18.2%, Jason Vollmecke with 14.3%, and incumbent Matt Mallinson with 13%.
Mondaine, who is a graduate of Van Horn School in the Independence School District and a pastor at Restoration Life Church, said the vote was long overdue.
“This accomplishment is a great step forward for our city. We are living in times where sound, loving and representative leadership is so essential to our future,” Mondaine announced on Facebook. “I made the decision to run because I believe I can make a positive difference in the lives of the staff and students of ISD.”
The Independence School District is 52% White and Mondaine said it has been historically unaccepting to people of color. He wants to change that and ensure there is representation across staff.